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Starting the Job Interview – Seven Tips To Help Make a Good Impression

Job Interview – First Impressions Count

One of the most important things you can do to insure that you have the best chance possible of landing a job is to start the job interview off on the right foot.

How to Create a Good Impression

First impressions are important and most people, including employers, form an impression of others within the first ten to twenty seconds.

For this reason, it’s critical that you are conscious of making a good impression from the moment you walk in the door to meet with a prospective employer.

Starting the Job Interview Tip #1

First, the worst way you can start an interview is to arrive late or arrive on time, but harried and obviously rushed.

Give yourself plenty of time to arrive not only at your appointed interview time but a few minutes early as well.

Remember that you may hit traffic or need to complete paperwork once you arrive for your interview.

It’s also a good idea to make sure you have plenty of time to run by the restroom or pop in a breath mint.

Starting the Job Interview Tip #2

If you do have a few minutes before the actual interview and you have already completed the paperwork given to you …

Check your hair and the rest of your appearance

It’s a good idea to look over your resume or any notes that you might have brought along with you

As you wait, also take the time to observe what goes on around you

This is a crucial way of obtaining necessary research that you can use in your interview.

Starting the Job Interview Tip #3

Remember to treat everyone you come in contact with on the day of your interview politely.

There has been more than one job candidate who unwittingly offended an important individual in the company where they hoped to work, without knowing it on the day of their job interview.

Just because a person is sitting at the reception desk does not necessarily mean they are the receptionist…

… and even if they are you never know whether they might report your rude or inconsiderate behavior to the head boss; which could cost you a job.

Starting the Job Interview Tip #4

Always greet the interviewer with a firm, solid handshake.

This is very critical because many people, especially those involved in business, size up others based on their handshake.

While this may sound ridiculous to some people, many people put a lot of stock into this method of getting to know others.

Make sure your handshake is firm, but not bone-crushing. Likewise, it should not be too limp. Naturally, you’re going to be nervous prior to your big interview, but do try to discreetly wipe sweaty palms on your slacks or skirt before shaking hands.

Starting the Job Interview Tip #5

Generally, the employer will have been advised that you have arrived for your interviewer and will have provided your name to the employer.

Nevertheless, keep in mind that the employer is likely going to be meeting with a number of candidates throughout the day so go ahead and introduce yourself. Be friendly, but professional.

Starting the Job Interview Tip #6

Never, ever sit before invited to do so before the interviewer. Not only is this impolite but may lead the employer to believe that you are overly aggressive and make assumptions when you shouldn’t.

Watch the employer and follow their lead.

Once the initial greetings are over, they will invite you to sit where they wish. This is very important because some highly trained interviewers design the seating arrangements in interviews with a specific purpose in mind. Taking a seat that wasn’t intended for you can irritate the employer right from the start.

Starting the Job Interview Tip #7

Start your interview off the right way by being completely honest.

If you lie during your interview, you will almost always be found out at some point. Also remember that you should never say anything derogatory about your current or former supervisors.

Not only is this simply rude and impolite, but what if the person you are interviewing with is acquainted with the supervisor you are blasting?

Not only will you possibly miss out on the job you are interviewing for, but you may lose your current job as well. It’s better to be very conservative when discussing your reasons for leaving current and past employment.

Interview Pitfalls

Here’s a tip that appears to be very obvious, but it’s surprising how many job seekers fall down on this.

Make sure you properly research the company so that you know how well they are performing, what their mission statement is and anything else you can find out.